Reviews for HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

2" LCD - MPN: PE435A

  • 4
  By member: j4y_7 - Nov 14, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Small (Fits in your pocket,) Fast start-up, Easy to use, Includes BOTH USB 2.0 and Firewire cables

Weakness: Scratches VERY easily, Included ear buds feel and sound cheap, Doesn't include the accessories that were included w/ the 3G, 20 GB is actually 18.5 GB

This is my first iPod and after my first week's use, I must say that I'm very pleased. Before making my purchase, I looked at the differences between the Apple iPod and the one being distributed by HP. The only important differences I noted were the included software, the warranty & a logo on the back.

Let me begin with the physical aspects of the iPod. It's small and can be comfortably held in the palm of your hand, fitting into any pocket w/ ease. It's not too heavy, but not so light that it feels cheap. The white finish on the front and shiny metal finish on the back both look VERY nice, but also scratch VERY easily. The shiny back will also be covered with finger prints, so a case is definitely recommended.

The iPod is very easy to setup and use. Charge it for a couple hours, insert the CD, follow on screen instructions and plugin the iPod and you're ready to transfer songs. Excluding the charging time, all of that should take less than 45 minutes. The user-interface on the iPod is pretty simple and easy to navigate through. You can even customize the main menu by adding/removing items.

The iPod + HP includes only what you need to get started. Purchase of other accessories such as a protective case is recommended. It's user-friendly and is great for beginners but also meets the needs of advanced users. My only real complaints are that it scratches so easily and that although it's advertised w/ 20GB of space, only 18.5 GB are acutally available to use even after formatting, but 18.5 is still more than sufficient for typical users.

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  • 5
  By member: cpcroc - Dec 2, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Ease of use, plenty of capacity, skip protection, lots of aftermarket add-ons (both hardware and software)

Weakness: Pricy, mirrored back scratches, get a case!

The iPod is better than anything else in it's category. It has tight integration with iTunes and imports your CD collection fast and easily. The sound quality is very good. The iPod is an easy solution for users who don't want to worry about learning software, formats, and the like. The click-wheel is an easy user interface. If you listen to audiobooks, you can speed them up without them sounding odd. The HP iPod is identical to the Apple save the small HP logo on the back.

(I use the PodSleevz case by Radtech. It covers the iPod from head to toe, while allowing use of the clickwheel through the case. It leaves the top end open for my iTrip attachment.)

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  • 5
  By member: philcrocetti - Nov 25, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Click wheel is slick! Audio is fantastic. Ease of use and many, many add-on products available.

Weakness: Easily scratched - get a protective case with it! Doesn't support Windows media.

Apple keeps making the iPod better. This one is attractive and attractively priced. Seamless integration with iTunes. Getting a iTrip (by Griffin) makes this the ultimate convenience. Just tune your car radio (or other FM radio) and you've got audio with no wires. The earbuds sound very good. Numerous options to sort and shuffle songs, and increased battery life make this the iPod to get. There are also PDA functions - you can view your calendar and contact information. True, the new iPods have photo viewing, but for audio only, this is iPod is priced well for Apple quality. By the way - HP's site does not say Apple computers are supported. They are. This iPod is identical to the iPod Apple sells without the small HP logo on the back.

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  • 4
  By member: rishia - Dec 31, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Looks, the click wheel and sound quality

Weakness: Display, flimsy outer body

I used the iPod for a month before my girlfriend took it away from me... (thats another downside.. you need to protect it like your life if you own one :-) ) I simply loved it a she's loving it too. Looks great, the click wheel is an awesome user interface and the sound quality is too good.
The only downside to it is the display (read menu) which could have been but slicker compared to its looks and the body which is prone to scratches. I'd recommend you buy a casing along with it so that it remains pristine from day one (preferably transparent so that it doesn't hide the clean looks).
The battery life is good upto 8-10 hours is pretty decent, all in all a very good buy for me at $256 (buy.com) while it lasted with me. The rebranded HP ipod is a shade lesser in cost than the non-rebranded one. Doesn't hurt though, the HP logo isn't prominent anywhere.

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  • 5
  By member: rfathi - Nov 21, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Capacity for size, user interface, sleek attractive appearance!

Weakness: Does not come with charger (40gb does). Needs protective cover. Probably worth investing in better headphones (as opposed to earphones!)

This device is the epitome of sleek user interface - a beautiful design of functionality from Apple now in its fourth incarnation. The PC link is with the included iTunes software which works well as long as you have track and album information added (either manually or from the Internet). I now wish I had the charger to simplify docking but I dont think its worth spending $40 more for it. The true capacity is actually under 19gb so if you have a large collection it might be worthwhile saving for the 40gb model (and getting the charger). The kit comes with both firewire and USB 2 so it is easy to set up no matter what connection yuo have available. Overall highly recommended - though pricey.

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Reply by member: j4y_7
Nov 28, 2004

The user is mistaken. Both the 20GB & 40GB come with a charger. The 20 G0, however, does not include the dock, which is included with the 40 GB. The only advantage to having the dock is that there is a lineout on the back. Other than that everything else (syncing, charging) can be done using the provided cables.

  • 5
  By member: ianxxi - Nov 26, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Size, Battery Life, Capacity, "Coolness" factor

Weakness: Can scratch very easily, you must buy a protector case, Price.

In NYC it seems that even household pets have an ipod, so in early November I decided to get my own Ipod. It's the exact same thing as the regular Ipod , but I found it a bit cheaper than the apple ipod. You'll enjoy having an ipod. It has some very addictive games. As a con I msut addmit that the calender can only be synch with Outlook and not The Bat or Mozilla Mail.

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  • 5
  By member: bcc100 - Oct 11, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Same Great MP3 Player as APPLE IPOD

Weakness: Black Ear Bud cover, HP Logo in the Back

I have seem so many bad reviews for both the 20GB version of +HP Ipods and the 40 GB version of +hp Ipods. The reviewer seems to not understand the whole concept of the technology share venture between HP and Apple. Apple has good design, HP has its manufacturing and Marketing power. Its a natural combination!
I've been wanting to buy an ipod for quite a while now and IT IS very difficult to find an APPLE brand 20 GB 4th Gen Ipod! Apple simply can't keep up with the demand! The +HP brand Ipod is EXACTLY the same as the Apple Brand Ipod. The only few difference are listed here
- HP Logo at the back of ipod player (Nothing serious here)
- HP support (Not bad either, 24/7 with quick pickup)
- Allows HP Ipod custom printable skins (Nice addition, but the skins would probablly work on regular Apple IPods as well).
- PC Softwares (Does this really matter? +HP ipod would also work on Macs if you download itune for macs)

People kept on complaining about no WMA support. Remember Apple IPOD design is a copyrighted design by apple. If apple don't want to offer WMA support, there is nothing HP can do about it! HP simply helps the manufacturing and distribution!!! Nothing else. BTW, Hp invented is simply a catchy marketing phrase. The main core business of HP is printers and computers, did HP invent either one of these??? Don't concentrate too much on their marketing techniques, what really matters is the product.

Everything else is exactly the same! Even the apple logo still exist on the back of this ipod player.

So the only big difference I can see is apple support or HP support. To me, I don't really care. But if you really want Apple support don't get this. Otherwise don't look any further.

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Reply by member: maverick18x
Dec 10, 2004

"PC Softwares (Does this really matter? +HP ipod would also work on Macs if you download itune for macs)"

Just to let everyone know, iTunes comes included on all macs.

  • 5
  By member: mar269 - Oct 17, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Easy to use. Quick down loads. Portability

Weakness: Vulnerable to injury if one doesn't buy a protective case. Battery changes expensive and not straight forward.

This is an easy to use, very lightweight, portable device. the potential accessories are exciting, from speaker systems to wireless transmission. Should come with rudimentary case for protection. Battery issues, cost and relative lack of convenience, need to be addressed.

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  • 5
  By member: lanric - Sep 16, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Ease of use, great wheel, holds lots of songs, good menu selection

Weakness: battery life, earbud covers fall off, does not come with a cover (power can turn on and drain battery if IPOD touches something in a bag)

overall great product, holds lots of songs, video would be nice. earbuds not great. battery drains quickly
Ease of use, great wheel, holds lots of songs, good menu selection

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Reply by member: neurodyne
Oct 20, 2004

Quote: "...does not come with a cover (power can turn on and drain battery if IPOD touches something in a bag)"

Umm... That's what the "Hold" button is for... Sheesh...

  • 4
  By member: JoyceML2 - Oct 28, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Can hold lots of music, easy to use, easy to learn

Weakness: HP/Apple doesn't list what type of firewire 6 pin or 4 pin.. also it doesn't come w/ a firewire converter (6 pin to 4pin)..

I got the HP ipod 20G. Was able to install in a matter of mins. The click wheel is very easy to use. 1GB can store around 20 to 24 full albums. (using the MP3/196 kpbs). Love the fact that itunes works with the internet to search for the CD you are ripping so you don't have to type in the song or artist. Saves so much time. Also Love the fact that you can create different playlist. The only thing that I found annoying is that HP/Apple didn't let you know that the firewire was a 6 pin. If you have a 4 pin firewire you have to buy a converter (around 10 bucks).. had a hard time tracking one down. When to several stores looking for it. Also the cases out there for the 4G ipods are ugly.

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Reply by member: pecosbill
Nov 5, 2004

The extra two pins carry the power. Without them, there is no charging. Also, Firewire carries more power than USB so the iPod recharges faster.

  • 5
  By member: mankalkaji - Nov 15, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Easy to use. Never had to RTFM. Simple design. Works with my laptop's USB 1.1 port too !!!

Weakness: None found so far

I am really happy to finally get my very own iPOD. I had been wanting to listen to all the MP3s I had collected over the years in my VW Golf but did not want to get rid of the Monsoon Audio System. This cute little thing helps me do that now. I am using a tape adapter from Sony to hook up the iPOD but would like to try iTrip and see if it retains the clarity. Happy IPodding to all prospective buyers.

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  • 5
  By member: onelazyballa - Dec 4, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: nice size

Weakness: price

one of the best mp3 players out there. if your looking for a gift this is something to give to anyone. the ipod is one of the hottest things out there right now. so go pick one up already

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  • 4
  By member: georgiapeachpie - Dec 20, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Good size. Is portable. It has good storage. Nice good clean sound.

Weakness: Have not found any so far.

I just got this for myself for Christmas and I love it. I ordered it from Buy.com for $289.99 and got free shipping so I found it to be a great deal. I received it within 2 days of ordering it, so I was stoked. Now, I've only had it 2 days, but I've already started loading it up with songs and carrying it with me everywhere. I love it!

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  • 4
  By member: iamcornholio - Feb 26, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: cool looking, VERY big and powerful hard drive, cool click-wheel, very good display screen, and good sound quality

Weakness: easily scrathes, a VERY big battery-guzzler, i only got 5 hours a few times. thats about it, but it sucks batteries like a ford excursion sucks gas.

good product, price a bit hight, but worth it. very good song capacity, but a battery-guzzler. overall, i am pleased with this product, and i recomend buying it if you want a big hard drive capacity, and dont care about battery life.

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  • 5
  By member: jkulysses - Oct 8, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: One year warranty through HP, awesome sound and features

Weakness: none yet

Bought it from newegg.com for more than $30 cheaper than if I got it from HP direct. Excellent MP3 player, awesome quality, but it's a macintosh so that is no big suprise.

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  • 5
  By member: istone - Oct 27, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: GREAT SOUND, EASY TO USE MENU WHEEL, SLIM DESIGN FITS GREAT IN YOUR POCKET

Weakness: SCRATCHES EASILY (GET A COVER) SOME AUDIO DOWNLOADS ARE NOT RECOGNIZED OR HAVE GLITCHES

LOVE MY IPOD. THE SOUND IS FANTASTIC AND IT FITS COMFORTABLY IN MY POCKET. THE MENU WHEEL IS EASY TO USE AND IS COMFORTABLE TO USE WITH ONE HAND. SOME DOWNLOADS DONT WORK, ESPECIALLY FROM THE FREE WEBSITES BUT ITUNES LOAD UP WELL. GET A COVER BECAUSE THE SCREEN SCRATHES VERY EASILY

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  • 3
  By member: christinepoidomani - Dec 9, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Great sound

This is a great product. Wish ear plugs were more comfortable. My sister always wants to borrow it too. Mabe it should come in different colors so I could match outfit.

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  • 5
  By member: hgong2002 - Jan 7, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Definitely the Click Wheel. ITune is great too.

Weakness: Not supporting WMA format

IPod definitely is the king of all digital music players, no question about it! The design is slick, it's easy to use. So far I have no complaints other than wishing it support WMA format too. The good thing about IPod by HP is the price is better - you can get it at discounted price. I got it when it was first available at Staples and saved quite few $$ using promotional coupons

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  • 4
  By member: taxistv - Sep 24, 2005

Fun and useful product

Strengths: *stylish *fun *easy to use *useful

Weakness: *easily scratched surface *lacks certain features that other models posess

I feel that the apple iPod is a very good product in the mp3 commercial world. It is at a high level when it comes to competition and due to the fact that I am using it at this very moment shows that people like it. However, the one thing I'd most want to change, is the fact that the surface is so easily scratched; you put it in your pocket and after it looks as if you had your keys in the same pocket. Overall I would say that it is a very useful and fun, easy to use, product and I am happy with it.

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  • 5
  By member: rivera1529 - Sep 17, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: capacity, easy to use, I-tunes

Weakness: Battery, should of have a removable one so you could carry an extra one with you

Very versatil product. Buy the car radio cable adapter and its like having a CD changer of 5,000 songs in a very compact case. Buy an adapter to hook to the earphones port and RCA audio output and hook it up to your home receiver and enjoy all music without having to be fliping CD's

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  • 4
  By member: jeffglidden - Sep 7, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: - all your music in the palm of your hand. No more lugging around my CD cases! - No more worries about scratches and poor CD quality. All digital means all good! -

Weakness: - No support for FLAC and SHN files. Duh! - The shuffle blows. My definition of shuffle doesn't include repeating an artist twice in a row but from different albums but maybe that's just me....? - I wish there was a higher volume setting sometimes...

I bought an iPod because it's what is the best right now. There are lots of limitations but if you are a music lover, this will be a huge paradigm shift in your musical enjoyment. That being said, I'm looking forward to seeing MP3 players in 10 years, because we're not there yet.

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  • 5
  By member: nerve101 - Jan 3, 2005

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: Excellent sound, very small and light. Battery life greatly above 3rd gen iPod. Works excellent with iTunes Music Store. Click-wheel is an invention.

Weakness: Can't play WMA, OGG, or use with Napster and other WMA services. Get's scratched really easily.

What can I say about the HP iPod that I can't say of other mp3 players? One thing - it is so stylish. It's lighter than a my previous 1st Gen iPod, yet still quite sturdy. The Click-wheel must have been a gift from the gods of inventions. It single handily allows for scrollings for music, selections of music, games, and much more. It's pretty nifty because of the circular wheel - allows continuous scrolling of songs from A-Z with tiring of the thumbs - unlike the Zen Touch. I love it!

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  • 4
  By member: yuweii - Dec 31, 2004

HP (Hewlett-Packard) iPod From 20GB MP3 Player

Strengths: The iTune software, it is very easy to organize.

Although the battery life is still an issue, I'm very pleased with this 4G ipod. The sound quality is way above my expectation, and it is sooooo cooooool to carry around with almost all my favorate music. I guess I will get another 40G or 60G pretty soon.

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  • 2.9
  TopTenREVIEWS.com - Jul 16, 2008

hewlett packard apple ipod fourth gen. from hp (20 gb) mp3 player

Hewlett Packard Apple Ipod Fourth Gen. From Hp (20 Gb) Mp3 Player receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 2.33 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #44 hard drive MP3 player of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important...

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